Anderson
Clan Tattoos - This distinguished family have flourished
in Wigtownshire and Galloway since the 14th century. The origin of
the name is disputed, although it has generally been asserted to be
Norman, from the Barony d'Agneaux. They first settled in England,
but appear in Liddesdale in Scotland at the end of the 12th century.
A separate Celtic origin has been suggested through the native
Ulster sept of O'Gnimh, hereditary poets or bards to the great
O'Neils of Clan Aodha Bhuidhe in Antrim who acquired the anglicized
name of Agnew.

The name was first written in English as O'Gnive,
which later became O'Gnyw, and latterly, O'Gnew. This would give
the Agnews a common descent with other great names such as
Macdonald and Macdougall through Somerled, the 12th century King
of the Isles. The Agnew eagle crest may echo the similar device
which appears on the shield of the descendants of Somerled.

The fortunes of the family in Scotland were established when Andrew
Agnew of Lochnaw was granted the lands and constableship of Lochnaw
Castle in 1426. He was appointed hereditary Sheriff of Wigtown in
1451, an office still held by his direct descendents to this day.

The sheriff's son, another Andrew, married a daughter of the chief
of the Macdowalls, and it was from his second son,William, that the
Lochryan branch of the family descended. Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw was
killed at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547.

Sir Patrick was MP for Wigtownshire from 1628 to 1633, and again
from 1643 to 1647.

He was created Baronet of Nova Scotia on 28 July 1629. He died in
1661 and was succeded by his eldest son, Andrew, who had been
knighted in his fathers lifetime and who was also returned a MP for
Wigtownshire. He was created Sheriff of Kircudbright as well as
Wigtown in the 1650s, when Scotland was part of the protectorate
with England. He married Anne Stewart, daughter of the 1st Earl of
Galloway.